It is up to Armenia to decide on CSTO membership - RF Deputy FM

ArmInfo.  The decision on the issue of membership in the CSTO is up to Armenia. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexey Pankin told RIA Novosti "on the sidelines" of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.


"Everyone understands that Armenia, which has frozen, as they say, membership in the CSTO, does not participate in decision-making, but does not interfere with it, should still, probably, take a sober look at the possibilities of ensuring its security, including in the collective format of the CSTO. The decision in any case will be up to the Armenian authorities," he noted.


Armenia is boycotting events held within the framework of the CSTO.  In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia had practically frozen its participation in the CSTO, since the Organization did not fulfill its obligations to the Republic of Armenia, which could not remain without consequences. On September 18, 2024, at the Second World Armenian Summit, Pashinyan stated that the CSTO poses threats to Armenia's security, its continued existence, sovereignty and statehood.